Plans have been finalized for Heritage Week for New Hope Baptist Church, 2720 Hwy. 117, Black Rock in Lawrence County in honor of the 175th anniversary of the organization of the church. Organized on July 20, 1844, it is the oldest continually existing church in Black River Baptist Association which includes churches in Lawrence, Jackson, and Sharp Counties. It is believed to also be the oldest continually existing church in current Lawrence County.
The celebration begins July 21, 9:45 a.m. with former pastor, Harold Russell of Jonesboro, as guest speaker. The church will host a movie night that evening at 6:30 pm with refreshments.On July 23, Ladies Night Out, a Potluck Salad Supper will be held at the church beginning at 6:30 pm. July 24 will be a hayride and watermelon feast beginning at 6:30 pm. Bring a chair for the Fun Day Block Party to be held July 27 starting at 10:00 a.m. with inflatable bouncy, snocones, popcorn, games, water balloons, sprinkler, train rides, etc. A complimentary barbeque lunch will be served at noon. An afternoon service of sharing and singing will begin at 3:00 pm followed by an ice cream social at 4:30 p.m. The celebration will culminate on July 28 with former pastor, Dr. Gerald Nash of Conway, as guest speaker for morning worship. A potluck fellowship dinner will follow the worship service and an afternoon of sharing and singing will begin at 2:00 p.m. Jerry Clements, pastor of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Annieville, a “daughter” church of New Hope will be sharing that afternoon.
The public is invited to all events and is encouraged to wear fashions from a past decade. For more information, contact Lesia Phillips at 870-878-6565, Daniel Sloan 870-878-1033. Brent Powell, 870-878-6070, is the pastor at New Hope.